{ Birthday: A Very Hungry Caterpillar Party }

Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar is truly one of the most wonderful children's books every written and illustrated.


Even the Party Pugs agree.


Melissa created a wonderful first birthday party for her son, Ben, based on that fabulous little green guy.


She started with this brightly colored banner...

To which she attached a six-segmented caterpillar, with each circular piece featuring a photo of the (adorable) birthday boy.

Tables were perfectly draped in solid colored tablecloths and accented with clusters of bright balloons.

You know you want a closer look at those table signs. Here it is.

What a stroke of genius! Melissa used green and red paper Chinese lanterns to create a replica of the Very Hungry Caterpillar over the cake table. She used chenille stems (that's code for pipe cleaners) and cardstock for antennae and face details. 

If you'll notice, there are some pink and purple cupcakes on that table. That's because this party served as a joint birthday for Ben's older sister. Melissa capitalized on the theme by pulling in the "beautiful butterfly" from the end of the book. Smart.

And finally, the smash cake/cupcake combo. Drumroll, please!

The head of the caterpillar is a removable, red foam board circle (with attached chenille stem antennae) on top of a simple white cake with plain frosting. The body of the caterpillar is a squiggle of green-swirled cupcakes, adorable and yummy!


And let's not forgot party attire! Melissa ordered this adorable shirts from etsy seller MakMayDesigns.


For the birthday boy:

And for his 3-year-old sister:

Melissa really managed to bring this little Caterpillar to life in a perfect party!